selected work by UWE’s 2023 MA Photography graduates

Opening on May 24, SERCHIA Gallery is hosting Afterword, a group exhibition of selected imagery by the 2003 graduating class of the MA in Photography at the University of the West of England (UWE).

The 10 artists represent a diversity in approach, aesthetic and thematic interest, from family and self to motherhood, addiction, place, philosophy and political concerns.

Despite their variety, there are parallels and bonds to be found between the group, who have found mutual help, appreciation and support in one another through the duration of their course.

“Their committed insight, care, and understanding as they watched and helped the projects take shape and evolve will forever be bound to them,” reflects Joseph Glover, who is one of the artists featured in the exhibition.

Bristol24/7 takes a look at some of the work, along with descriptive extracts from the artists in their own words:

Breathing Space is a quiet observation that steps away from traditional scenes usually associated with ill health. Detailed are subtle observations of two landscapes, showcasing place and experience regarding my chronic health condition, Cystic Fibrosis.

Whilst this project reflects my experience and feelings, there is no limit to whom or what this work represents.

From ‘Breathing Space’ – photo: Ciara Hillyer

Conversion Therapy has affected at least 7 per cent of queer people in the UK. Despite this, it is still legal. There have been several proposals to ban the practice. However, these proposals are exclusionary. This includes allowing for ‘religious freedom’ and removing trans individuals from the ban.

At One Width is a representation of the nuances of attempting to change one’s sexuality. Much of this nuance sits in the grey zone between doctrine and counsel. It is this grey zone that challenges the proposed Conversion Therapy (Prohibition) Bill.

From ‘At One Width’ – photo: Sam Sutton

“This photography project consists of my childhood pain and my feelings toward the issues in Hong Kong. It is a constructed story to reveal my unrecoverable scar.

“These emotions will never go away. This project aims to show viewers the feelings of loneliness; fear of losing someone; needing someone to be there for you.”

Photo: Lai Po Kan

“Pink Tree is a series that looks at masculinity within my family across the three generations of my Father, his Father, and Myself. Three men brought up in different eras, environments and social situations.

“My body of work explores all aspects of life in which ‘manliness’ is apparent, it questions how our different upbringings have moulded us into men and affected our perception of what being a “man” is.”

From ‘Pink Tree’ series – photo: Sam Spinks

Afterword is at SERCHIA Gallery from May 24-June 9, Monday-Friday 10am-5pm (free, by appointment).

For more information about the exhibition, the gallery and all the featured artists, visit www.serchiagallery.square.site or follow @serchiagallery.

Main photo: Victoria Maidstone

Read more: Serchia Gallery hosts exhibitions from Kristina Rozhkova and Jacob Clayton

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